By Louis Dale, Cornell ‘10
IvyLeague.com: Why did you choose to attend an Ivy League institution?
Dale: I wanted an opportunity to receive a great education while playing at the Division I level with a chance to go to the NCAA Tournament. I also thought it would give me the best balance of academics and sports.
IvyLeague.com: How do you feel your Ivy League experience helped prepare you for your career?
Dale: My time at Cornell broadened my outlook on different cultures, businesses, and industries. I was exposed to a world I did not know existed and I believe these experiences helped shape the person I am and my career opportunities.
IvyLeague.com: What makes an Ivy League experience different from other schools?
Dale: From a sports perspective, I think playing back-to-back games on the weekends with limited missed class time is different from other schools. From an academic perspective, I think the high standard of excellence that surrounds you also raises the bar for your own personal development and potential achievements.
IvyLeague.com: How has Ivy League basketball evolved since your time as a student-athlete?
Dale: I believe the players now are more athletic, and the presence of the Ivy League on ESPN makes the experience much better given the exposure the players and teams can receive.
IvyLeague.com: How has the Ivy League community impacted your life or career?
Dale: It’s been tremendous. I’ve established so many professional and personal connections with both Cornell and other Ivy League graduates. I’ve been able to advance in both my professional and personal life through the connections and bond that is established when attending/graduating from an Ivy League school.
IvyLeague.com: What is it like when you meet another former Ivy League student-athlete?
Dale: It is great because you immediately share a bond from your experiences that only a handful of people really know or understand. I’ve worked with some former Ivy League student-athletes and the connections have helped improve the business relationship.
IvyLeague.com: What are you looking forward to most about the Ivy League Basketball Tournaments?
Dale: I’m looking forward to watching the teams compete for a chance to play in the NCAA Tournament. I am also looking forward to seeing the atmosphere, given that there was no Ivy League Basketball tournament when I played. I had always wondered what it would be like to have a tournament and face the pressure of one or two games deciding so much.
IvyLeague.com: What does it mean to you to be a Legend of Ivy League Basketball?
Dale: It means a great deal to be recognized for my personal and team accomplishments during my Ivy League basketball career. It allows me to know that I’ve left some sort of legacy at my university and the league. I hope the recognition can inspire current student athletes to work their hardest and strive for greatness in whatever capacity they wish.
Louis Dale was a Cornell men's basketball student-athlete from 2006-10. He is a member of the 2019 Class of Legends of Ivy League Basketball that will be formally honored during the 2019 Ivy League Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments on Saturday, March 16, at the John J. Lee Amphitheater in New Haven, Conn. Purchase tickets at
IvyMadness.com.